diff --git a/.env.example b/.env.example
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0c785543
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.env.example
@@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+# ClassroomIO Docker Self-Hosting Environment
+# Copy this file to .env and fill in your values.
+# For local development, the defaults work out of the box.
+# For production, replace all placeholder values.
+
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Required
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Database (used by docker-compose to create the Postgres container)
+POSTGRES_DB=classroomio
+POSTGRES_USER=postgres
+POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
+
+# Public URL where the API is reachable from browsers
+# Local: http://localhost:3081 | Production: https://api.yourdomain.com
+PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=http://localhost:3081
+
+# Comma-separated origins allowed by CORS
+# Local: http://localhost:3082 | Production: https://app.yourdomain.com
+TRUSTED_ORIGINS=http://localhost:3082,http://localhost:5173
+
+# Auth secret for session signing (use a long random string in production)
+BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=replace-with-a-long-random-secret
+
+# API bearer token (leave blank — auto-generated by ./run-docker-full-stack.sh)
+AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=
+
+# Dashboard-to-API auth key (leave blank — auto-generated by ./run-docker-full-stack.sh)
+# Must be the same value in both API and dashboard.
+PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=
+
+# Self-hosted mode flag
+PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true
+
+# Dashboard SSR calls to the API inside the Docker network
+# Local: http://api:3081 | Production: http://api:3081 (always internal)
+PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081
+
+# Dashboard origin for SvelteKit CSRF protection
+# Local: http://localhost:3082 | Production: https://app.yourdomain.com
+DASHBOARD_ORIGIN=http://localhost:3082
+
+# CSP: external domains allowed by Content-Security-Policy (required when self-hosted)
+# Comma-separated. Include your CDN, API, video, and font domains.
+ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS=
+
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Optional — Email (pick one approach, or skip)
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Option A: Zoho / ZeptoMail
+ZOHO_TOKEN=
+
+# Option B: SMTP
+SMTP_HOST=
+SMTP_PORT=
+SMTP_USER=
+SMTP_PASSWORD=
+SMTP_SENDER=
+
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Optional — Object Storage (auto-configured by ./run-docker-full-stack.sh)
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# MinIO is included by default. The startup script sets these automatically.
+# Change credentials in production.
+MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
+MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
+OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
+OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
+OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
+OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
+OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
+OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
+
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+# Optional — Integrations
+# ──────────────────────────────────────────────
+
+# Google OAuth
+GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID=
+GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET=
+
+# Cookie domain for cross-subdomain auth (e.g. .yourdomain.com)
+AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=
+
+# Dashboard domain routing
+PRIVATE_APP_HOST=localhost
+PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS=app
+
+# Unsplash image search
+UNSPLASH_API_KEY=
+
+# Enterprise license (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
+LICENSE_KEY=
+
+# Custom branding (meta tags)
+# PUBLIC_APP_TITLE=My Learning Platform
+# PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION=A flexible LMS
+# PUBLIC_OG_IMAGE_URL=https://app.yourdomain.com/og-image.png
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index d381455d..d37137df 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -160,38 +160,11 @@ The repository also contains shared packages under `packages/` (for example `pac
### Docker Compose (Full Stack)
-To run the Dockerized stack (including API + dashboard):
-
```bash
+cp .env.example .env # copy env template, edit for your domain
./run-docker-full-stack.sh
```
-Start without rebuilding images:
+The script reads root `.env` via `docker compose --env-file .env` and auto-generates secure values for `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` and `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` when missing.
-```bash
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build
-```
-
-The script always reads root `.env` via `docker compose --env-file .env`, and it auto-generates secure local values for `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` (and `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN`) when they are missing/insecure. API key middleware validation for dashboard server-side calls uses `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY`.
-
-For production deployments from published images, use `docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml` with `docker/.env.prod.example` as your template.
-
-Enterprise-only self-hosted features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking) require a license key from us. Set `LICENSE_KEY` in:
-- `apps/api/.env` for local non-Docker development
-- root `.env` for Docker Compose self-hosting
-- `docker/.env.prod` for published-image deployments
-
-If you do not use Enterprise-only features, you do not need `LICENSE_KEY`.
-
-URL routing for dashboard API calls:
-
-- Browser requests use `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` (must be your public API domain in hosted environments, not `localhost`).
-- Server-side dashboard requests (SSR/load functions) use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` when set, and fallback to `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`.
-- In Docker Compose, use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081` so dashboard SSR calls stay on the internal Docker network.
-- Set `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` for Better Auth cookie domain control (`your-domain.com` for shared subdomains, or your exact API host).
-
-For Docker details and troubleshooting, see:
-
-- `docker/docs/USAGE.md`
-- `docker/docs/commands.md`
-- `docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md`
+See [`.env.example`](.env.example) for the full list of environment variables with required/optional grouping, and [`docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md`](docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md) for the complete Docker self-hosting guide.
diff --git a/apps/dashboard/src/lib/features/course/components/lesson/note/note.svelte b/apps/dashboard/src/lib/features/course/components/lesson/note/note.svelte
index b6027f8c..c6763d52 100644
--- a/apps/dashboard/src/lib/features/course/components/lesson/note/note.svelte
+++ b/apps/dashboard/src/lib/features/course/components/lesson/note/note.svelte
@@ -47,9 +47,6 @@
$effect(() => {
console.log('content', content);
});
- $effect(() => {
- console.log('lessonApi.currentLocale', lessonApi.currentLocale);
- });
{#if mode === MODES.edit}
diff --git a/apps/docs/content/docs/enterprise-sso.mdx b/apps/docs/content/docs/enterprise-sso.mdx
index 5ac7ca79..cc8d3254 100644
--- a/apps/docs/content/docs/enterprise-sso.mdx
+++ b/apps/docs/content/docs/enterprise-sso.mdx
@@ -22,7 +22,6 @@ ClassroomIO supports Single Sign-On (SSO) via OpenID Connect (OIDC), allowing yo
Set `LICENSE_KEY` in the API service environment.
Local development: `apps/api/.env`.
Docker Compose: repository root `.env`.
- Published-image Docker deploys: `docker/.env.prod`.
If you do not use Enterprise-only features, leave `LICENSE_KEY` unset.
diff --git a/apps/docs/content/docs/quickstart/self-hosting.mdx b/apps/docs/content/docs/quickstart/self-hosting.mdx
index 7b00c48a..11c066e6 100644
--- a/apps/docs/content/docs/quickstart/self-hosting.mdx
+++ b/apps/docs/content/docs/quickstart/self-hosting.mdx
@@ -4,288 +4,19 @@ description: Guide to self-hosting ClassroomIO on your own servers.
---
import { Callout } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/callout';
-import { Step, Steps } from 'fumadocs-ui/components/steps';
-This guide will help you quickly self-host ClassroomIO.
+This guide covers two deployment paths: **Docker** (recommended) and **Railway**.

-ClassroomIO is made up of the following applications:
+## Docker (Recommended)
-- [apps/api](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/tree/main/apps/api) - an Express server
-- [apps/dashboard](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/tree/main/apps/dashboard) - the admin dashboard + LMS
-- [packages/db](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/tree/main/packages/db) - shared database layer for PostgreSQL
+### Prerequisites
-The quickest and easiest way to deploy both the api and dashboard is by using our [Railway Template](https://railway.app/template/dl9RG7?referralCode=8OyIj5). However there are a couple of things that you'd need first before heading over to the template, which are:
+- Docker Desktop installed and running
+- `git` installed
-1. SMTP values - For sending emails on the api
-2. PostgreSQL + Redis - For the API and database layer
-3. Object storage (MinIO for Docker self-hosting, or Cloudflare R2 for hosted) - Video, document, and image uploads
-
-## SMTP Setup
-
-You need a custom SMTP configuration for email sending. Most importantly you need these values:
-
-```zsh title="env"
-SMTP_HOST=
-SMTP_PORT=
-SMTP_USER=
-SMTP_PASSWORD=
-SMTP_SENDER=
-```
-
-Make sure you have them handy because you'd need them while we go through this self-hosting guide.
-
-
- Learn more about setting up a custom SMTP server
- [here](https://nodemailer.com/smtp/)
-
-
-## PostgreSQL + Redis
-
-ClassroomIO now runs directly on PostgreSQL and Redis (no Supabase dependency in Docker setup).
-
-For deployments, keep these connection variables ready:
-
-```zsh title="env"
-DATABASE_URL=
-PRIVATE_DATABASE_URL=
-REDIS_URL=
-```
-
-## Object Storage (Videos, Documents, Images)
-
-ClassroomIO supports two object storage backends for video uploads, document uploads, and media (images/thumbnails):
-
-### Option A: MinIO (S3-compatible, default for Docker self-hosting)
-
-For Docker self-hosting, MinIO is included by default. Use MinIO or any S3-compatible storage for on-premise deployments:
-
-```zsh title="env"
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-```
-
-**Docker:** MinIO is included by default when you run `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`. The script auto-configures these. Add to your `.env`:
-
-```zsh title="env"
-# MinIO container credentials (must match OBJECT_STORAGE_* below)
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-
-# When API runs in Docker: use minio (Docker service name), not localhost
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-```
-
-
-When the API runs inside Docker, set `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000`. From a container, `localhost` refers to the container itself; use the service name `minio` to reach MinIO on the Docker network. When the API runs locally (e.g. `pnpm api:dev`), use `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000`.
-
-
-When you run `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`, MinIO starts automatically. To start MinIO manually (e.g. if you used `--no-minio`):
-
-```zsh title="Terminal"
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-```
-
-**Access URLs:**
-
-| Purpose | URL |
-|---------|-----|
-| API | http://localhost:9000 |
-| Web UI | http://localhost:9001 (login: `minioadmin` / `minioadmin`) |
-
-
-Do not use `minioadmin` / `minioadmin` in production. Set `MINIO_ROOT_USER` and `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` in `.env`, and use the same values for `OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY`.
-
-
-
-MinIO uses a random port for the Web Console by default. If the Web UI at http://localhost:9001 does not load, remove the old container and recreate it: `docker rm -f cio-minio` then run the MinIO start command again. See [docker/docs/USAGE.md](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/docker/docs/USAGE.md#minio-troubleshooting) for full troubleshooting.
-
-
-
- With Docker, MinIO is included by default. Use `./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio` to exclude it if you don't need video/document uploads.
-
-
-### Option B: Cloudflare R2 (hosted deployments)
-
-For hosted deployments (e.g. Railway), Cloudflare R2 can be used. Configure these env vars:
-
-```zsh title="env"
-CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID=
-CLOUDFLARE_ACCESS_KEY=
-CLOUDFLARE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=
-CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_DOMAIN=
-CLOUDFLARE_IMAGE_BUCKET_DOMAIN=
-```
-
-See the [Cloudflare Setup](/docs/contributor-guides/cloudflare-setup) guide for R2 bucket and CORS configuration.
-
-## SSO Configuration
-
-
- SSO is an Enterprise-only feature for self-hosted instances.
- If you do not use Enterprise-only features, you do not need a license key.
- If you need Enterprise features, request a key from us and set `LICENSE_KEY` in your API environment.
- [Book a call](http://cal.com/classroomio/enterprise) to get your license.
-
-
-For Enterprise SSO support, you need to configure the following:
-
-1. **License Key**: Set `LICENSE_KEY` in your API environment:
- ```zsh
- LICENSE_KEY="your-issued-license-key"
- ```
-
-2. **Trusted Origins**: Add your IdP domains to `TRUSTED_ORIGINS`:
- ```zsh
- TRUSTED_ORIGINS="https://app.classroomio.com,https://your-org.okta.com,https://accounts.google.com"
- ```
-
-3. **Callback URLs**: Ensure your `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` is correctly set. SSO callbacks will be:
- - `{PUBLIC_SERVER_URL}/api/auth/sso/callback/{providerId}`
-
-4. **License Check**: The system will verify your Enterprise license before allowing SSO configuration. Without a valid license, the SSO settings page will show an upgrade prompt.
-
-## Deploy on Railway
-
-Now you have everything you need and you are ready to deploy the api and dashboard.
-
-Go ahead and click this button to get started.
-
-[](https://railway.app/template/dl9RG7?referralCode=8OyIj5)
-
-### Environment Variables
-
-#### cio-api
-
-```zsh title="env"
-# Required
-DATABASE_URL=""
-REDIS_URL=""
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=""
-TRUSTED_ORIGINS=""
-BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=""
-AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=""
-AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=""
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=""
-SMTP_HOST=""
-SMTP_PORT=""
-SMTP_USER=""
-SMTP_SENDER=""
-SMTP_PASSWORD=""
-
-# Optional - MinIO (S3-compatible, for Docker / on-premise self-hosting)
-# When API runs in Docker: use minio service name. For local API: use http://localhost:9000
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-
-# Optional - Cloudflare R2 (for hosted deployments)
-CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_ID=""
-CLOUDFLARE_ACCESS_KEY=""
-CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID=""
-CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_DOMAIN=""
-CLOUDFLARE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=""
-SENTRY_DNS=""
-
-# Enterprise (Optional)
-# Required only when using Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-LICENSE_KEY=""
-
-# SSO (Optional)
-# For enterprise SSO with SAML (future support)
-# SSO_ENCRYPTION_KEY="your-32-character-secret-key"
-```
-
-
- Learn more about the environment variables
- [here](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/apps/api/.env.example)
-
-
-#### cio-dashboard
-
-```zsh title="env"
-# Required
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=""
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=""
-PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED="true"
-
-# Required when self-hosting: CSP external domains (no defaults in self-hosted mode)
-# Comma-separated list of domains allowed in Content-Security-Policy.
-# Example: ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS=assets.cdn.clsrio.com,cdnjs.cloudflare.com,cdn.plyr.io,https://*.classroomio.com,https://api.classroomio.com,https://pgrest.classroomio.com,wss://*.classroomio.com
-ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS=""
-
-# Optional - per-directive override (script, style, connect, frame, font)
-# CSP_SCRIPT_SRC_DOMAINS=""
-# CSP_CONNECT_SRC_DOMAINS=""
-
-# Optional
-PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=""
-OPENAI_API_KEY=""
-UNSPLASH_API_KEY=""
-PRIVATE_APP_HOST=""
-PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS=""
-
-# Optional - meta tags for custom branding (title, description, OG image)
-# PUBLIC_APP_TITLE="My Learning Platform"
-# PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION="A flexible LMS for your organization"
-# PUBLIC_OG_IMAGE_URL="https://app.yourdomain.com/og-image.png"
-```
-
-
- Set `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` in both API and dashboard environments for server-to-server API key authentication. `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` is a separate token and is not used by `apiKeyMiddleware`.
-
-
-
- When `PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED="true"`, the dashboard uses **only** environment variables for CSP external domains—no defaults. You must set `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS` with a comma-separated list of domains your instance needs (CDN, analytics, video providers, etc.). This supports strict security policies, data residency, and CISO allowlists.
-
-
-
- Dashboard URL routing is environment-aware:
- browser requests use `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`, while server-side dashboard requests use
- `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` (fallback: `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`). In hosted deployments, set
- `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` to your public API domain (not `localhost`).
-
-
-
- Set `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` to `.your-domain.com` for cross-subdomain cookies. If you need host-only cookies, set it
- to your exact API host (for example `api.your-domain.com`).
-
-
-
- When self-hosting, page title, description, and Open Graph image default to your organization's branding (name, avatar, landing page banner). Set `PUBLIC_APP_TITLE`, `PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION`, and `PUBLIC_OG_IMAGE_URL` to override with custom values. If unset, a bundled fallback image is used so the dashboard never depends on external CDNs.
-
-
-
- Learn more about the environment variables
- [here](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/apps/dashboard/.env.example)
-
-
-## Using Docker
-
-We provide `docker/docker-compose.yaml` for local self-hosting.
-
-The stack includes:
-
-- `postgres` (database)
-- `redis` (cache/rate-limit store)
-- `db-init` (one-off DB setup)
-- `api` (backend on `3081`)
-- `dashboard` (frontend on `3082`)
+### Quick Start
1. Clone the repository:
@@ -294,105 +25,214 @@ git clone https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio.git
cd classroomio
```
-2. Start the full stack (includes MinIO for object storage by default):
+2. Copy the env template and edit it:
+
+```zsh title="Terminal"
+cp .env.example .env
+```
+
+Open `.env` and set `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`, `TRUSTED_ORIGINS`, `BETTER_AUTH_SECRET`, and `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS` for your domain. For local development the defaults work as-is.
+
+3. Start the full stack:
```zsh title="Terminal"
./run-docker-full-stack.sh
```
-3. Verify services:
+The script builds and starts Postgres, Redis, MinIO (object storage), the API, and the dashboard. It auto-generates secure values for `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` and `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` when they are missing.
+
+4. Verify:
```zsh title="Terminal"
-docker compose -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
-curl -I http://localhost:3082/
+curl -sS http://localhost:3081/ # API — returns JSON
+curl -I http://localhost:3082/ # Dashboard — returns 200
```
-The services will be available at:
-
- Dashboard: http://localhost:3082
- API: http://localhost:3081
+- MinIO Console: http://localhost:9001 (default login: `minioadmin` / `minioadmin`)
-### API-Only Smoke Test
+### One `.env`, One Command
-If you want to validate API startup first:
+Docker self-hosting uses a single root `.env` file. Every `docker compose` command reads it via `--env-file .env` — you never need separate env files per service. See [`.env.example`](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/.env.example) for the full template.
+
+### Environment Variables
+
+#### Required
+
+| Variable | Description | Local Default |
+|----------|-------------|---------------|
+| `POSTGRES_DB` | Database name | `classroomio` |
+| `POSTGRES_USER` | Database user | `postgres` |
+| `POSTGRES_PASSWORD` | Database password | `postgres` |
+| `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` | Public API URL (browser requests) | `http://localhost:3081` |
+| `TRUSTED_ORIGINS` | Comma-separated CORS origins | `http://localhost:3082` |
+| `BETTER_AUTH_SECRET` | Auth session signing secret | — |
+| `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` | API bearer token | Auto-generated |
+| `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` | Dashboard-to-API auth key (same in both) | Auto-generated |
+| `PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED` | Self-hosted mode flag | `true` |
+| `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` | Internal API URL for SSR (Docker network) | `http://api:3081` |
+| `DASHBOARD_ORIGIN` | Dashboard URL for CSRF protection | `http://localhost:3082` |
+| `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS` | CSP allowed domains (comma-separated) | — |
+
+
+ When `PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true`, the dashboard has **no default** CSP domains. You must set `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS` with your CDN, API, video, and font domains.
+
+
+#### Optional — Email
+
+Configure either SMTP or Zoho. Without email config, the app works but cannot send emails.
+
+| Variable | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| `SMTP_HOST`, `SMTP_PORT`, `SMTP_USER`, `SMTP_PASSWORD`, `SMTP_SENDER` | SMTP server |
+| `ZOHO_TOKEN` | Zoho/ZeptoMail token (alternative to SMTP) |
+
+#### Optional — Object Storage
+
+MinIO is included by default. The startup script auto-configures these — you only need to change them if using custom credentials or an external S3-compatible service.
+
+| Variable | Default |
+|----------|---------|
+| `MINIO_ROOT_USER` | `minioadmin` |
+| `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` | `minioadmin` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT` | `http://minio:9000` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT` | `http://localhost:9000` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID` | `minioadmin` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY` | `minioadmin` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE` | `true` |
+| `OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL` | `http://localhost:9000/media` |
+
+Use `./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio` to exclude MinIO if you do not need uploads.
+
+
+ Do not use `minioadmin` / `minioadmin` in production.
+
+
+#### Optional — Integrations
+
+| Variable | Description |
+|----------|-------------|
+| `GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID`, `GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET` | Google OAuth |
+| `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` | Cross-subdomain cookies (e.g. `.yourdomain.com`) |
+| `PRIVATE_APP_HOST`, `PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS` | Multi-subdomain routing |
+| `UNSPLASH_API_KEY` | Unsplash image search |
+| `LICENSE_KEY` | Enterprise features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking) |
+| `PUBLIC_APP_TITLE`, `PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION`, `PUBLIC_OG_IMAGE_URL` | Custom branding |
+
+### Common Commands
```zsh title="Terminal"
-docker compose -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up --build -d postgres redis db-init api
-docker compose -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs --tail=100 api
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
+# Start full stack (builds images, starts all services including MinIO)
+./run-docker-full-stack.sh
+
+# Start without rebuilding images
+./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build
+
+# Start without MinIO (no file uploads)
+./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio
+
+# Service status
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
+
+# Stream logs
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs -f api dashboard
+
+# Rebuild one service
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up -d --build api
+
+# Restart after env change (no rebuild needed)
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml restart api dashboard
+
+# Run DB seed
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml run --rm db-init sh -c "pnpm --filter @cio/db db:setup -- --seed"
+
+# Stop
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down
+
+# Stop and delete all data (database, redis, minio volumes)
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down -v
```
-### Environment Variables for Docker
+See [docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md) for the full Docker reference including troubleshooting.
-Local defaults are provided in compose, but set these for real deployments:
+### Troubleshooting: "No space left on device"
+
+```zsh title="Terminal"
+docker system df # check usage
+docker builder prune -f # free build cache
+docker image prune -a -f # free unused images
+docker container prune -f # free stopped containers
+```
+
+
+ Avoid `docker volume prune` after `docker compose ... down` — it can remove your database and storage volumes.
+
+
+Then restart: `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`
+
+---
+
+## Railway
+
+The quickest hosted deployment is the [Railway Template](https://railway.app/template/dl9RG7?referralCode=8OyIj5).
+
+[](https://railway.app/template/dl9RG7?referralCode=8OyIj5)
+
+### cio-api
```zsh title="env"
-POSTGRES_DB=classroomio
-POSTGRES_USER=postgres
-POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
+DATABASE_URL="${{db.DATABASE_URL}}"
+REDIS_URL="${{Redis.REDIS_URL}}"
+PUBLIC_SERVER_URL="https://api.yourdomain.com"
+TRUSTED_ORIGINS="https://api.yourdomain.com,https://app.yourdomain.com"
+BETTER_AUTH_SECRET="random-secure-key"
+AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN="some-key"
+AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN="yourdomain.com"
+PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY="same-key-for-api-and-dashboard"
-BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=
-AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=
-# Required only for Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-LICENSE_KEY=
+# Email (configure one)
+SMTP_HOST=
+SMTP_PORT=
+SMTP_USER=
+SMTP_PASSWORD=
+SMTP_SENDER=
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=
-PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=
-TRUSTED_ORIGINS=
-AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=
-
-# MinIO (object storage, when using ./run-docker-full-stack.sh with MinIO)
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
+# Object storage — Cloudflare R2 (for hosted deployments)
+CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID=
+CLOUDFLARE_ACCESS_KEY=
+CLOUDFLARE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=
+CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_DOMAIN=
+CLOUDFLARE_IMAGE_BUCKET_DOMAIN=
```
-
- `run-docker-full-stack.sh` auto-generates secure values for `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` and
- `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` when missing/insecure. API key middleware for dashboard server-side
- calls validates `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY`. Set `LICENSE_KEY` only if you need Enterprise-only features; otherwise leave it empty.
+Optional: add `GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID`, `GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET` for OAuth, `UNSPLASH_API_KEY` for image search, or `LICENSE_KEY` for enterprise features.
+
+### cio-dashboard
+
+```zsh title="env"
+ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS="https://*.yourdomain.com,https://api.yourdomain.com,https://fonts.googleapis.com"
+PRIVATE_APP_HOST="https://app.yourdomain.com"
+PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY="same-key-for-api-and-dashboard"
+PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED="true"
+PRIVATE_SERVER_URL="http://${{api.RAILWAY_PRIVATE_DOMAIN}}:8080"
+PUBLIC_SERVER_URL="https://api.yourdomain.com"
+```
+
+Optional: add `PUBLIC_APP_TITLE`, `PUBLIC_APP_DESCRIPTION`, `PUBLIC_OG_IMAGE_URL` for custom branding.
+
+
+ `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` must be the same value in both API and dashboard. It authenticates server-side dashboard requests to the API.
-### If PostgreSQL or Docker fails with "No space left on device"
+### SMTP Setup
-The error `could not write lock file "postmaster.pid": No space left on device` means the disk (or Docker storage) is full. Free space, then restart the stack.
+You need SMTP for email sending. See [Nodemailer SMTP docs](https://nodemailer.com/smtp/) for provider setup.
-**1. Check disk usage**
+### Cloudflare R2
-```zsh title="Terminal"
-df -h
-docker system df
-```
+For hosted deployments, Cloudflare R2 handles object storage. See the [Cloudflare Setup](/docs/contributor-guides/cloudflare-setup) guide.
-**2. Free Docker space** (safe — removes unused build cache and images)
+### SSO (Enterprise)
-```zsh title="Terminal"
-docker builder prune -f
-docker image prune -a -f
-docker container prune -f
-```
-
-**3. If still low on space, remove unused volumes** (only if you do not need data in other projects’ volumes)
-
-```zsh title="Terminal"
-docker volume prune -f
-```
-
-
- `docker volume prune` removes volumes not used by any container. If you run it after `docker compose ... down`, it can remove Classroom.io’s `postgres-data`, `redis-data`, and `minio-data`, and you will lose database and object storage data. To free space without touching Classroom.io data, use only the prunes in step 2, or remove specific unused volumes by name.
-
-
-**4. Restart the stack**
-
-```zsh title="Terminal"
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-```
-
-If the host disk is still full after pruning, free space elsewhere (e.g. large files, old logs, other apps) or increase disk capacity. See [docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md](https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio/blob/main/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md) for the full self-host runbook.
+SSO requires a license key. Set `LICENSE_KEY` in your API environment and add your IdP domains to `TRUSTED_ORIGINS`. [Book a call](http://cal.com/classroomio/enterprise) to get a license.
diff --git a/docker/.env.prod.example b/docker/.env.prod.example
deleted file mode 100644
index 18773bda..00000000
--- a/docker/.env.prod.example
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,56 +0,0 @@
-# Published image references (pin to explicit versions, avoid latest in production)
-CIO_API_IMAGE=classroomio/api:v0.1.0
-CIO_DASHBOARD_IMAGE=classroomio/dashboard:v0.1.0
-
-# Core services
-POSTGRES_DB=classroomio
-POSTGRES_USER=postgres
-POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
-
-# API runtime
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=https://api.domain.com
-TRUSTED_ORIGINS=https://app.domain.com
-# Optional: cookie domain for Better Auth cross-subdomain cookies.
-# Use either .domain.com (shared across subdomains) or your API host.
-AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=
-BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=replace-with-a-long-random-secret
-AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=replace-with-a-long-random-token
-
-# Dashboard runtime
-DASHBOARD_ORIGIN=https://app.domain.com
-# Browser requests use this URL. Use your public API domain, not localhost.
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=https://api.domain.com
-# Optional internal override for SSR calls in Docker network
-PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081
-# Used by API key middleware for dashboard server-side API calls.
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=replace-with-a-long-random-token
-PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true
-PRIVATE_APP_HOST=domain.com
-PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS=app,launchweek
-
-# License (optional - for enterprise features: SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-# Leave unset if you do not use Enterprise-only features.
-# LICENSE_KEY=your-license-key
-
-# CSP: External domains (required when self-hosted—no defaults)
-# Comma-separated list for Content-Security-Policy
-ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS=https://*.classroomio.com,https://api.classroomio.com,https://pgrest.classroomio.com,wss://*.classroomio.com,https://assets.cdn.clsrio.com,https://cdn.plyr.io
-
-# Email (configure either Zoho token flow in app code or SMTP values)
-ZOHO_TOKEN=
-SMTP_HOST=
-SMTP_PORT=
-SMTP_USER=
-SMTP_PASSWORD=
-SMTP_SENDER=
-
-# Object storage - MinIO (S3-compatible, default for Docker self-hosting)
-# When API runs in Docker: use minio service name. For local API: use http://localhost:9000
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
diff --git a/docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml b/docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml
deleted file mode 100644
index 9b55902b..00000000
--- a/docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,136 +0,0 @@
-services:
- postgres:
- image: postgres:16-alpine
- container_name: cio-postgres
- environment:
- POSTGRES_DB: ${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}
- POSTGRES_USER: ${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres}
- POSTGRES_PASSWORD: ${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-postgres}
- volumes:
- - postgres-data:/var/lib/postgresql/data
- healthcheck:
- test:
- [
- "CMD-SHELL",
- "pg_isready -U ${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres} -d ${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}",
- ]
- interval: 5s
- timeout: 5s
- retries: 10
- start_period: 5s
-
- redis:
- image: redis:7-alpine
- container_name: cio-redis
- command: ["redis-server", "--appendonly", "yes"]
- volumes:
- - redis-data:/data
- healthcheck:
- test: ["CMD", "redis-cli", "ping"]
- interval: 5s
- timeout: 3s
- retries: 10
- start_period: 5s
-
- db-init:
- image: ${CIO_API_IMAGE:-classroomio/api:latest}
- pull_policy: always
- container_name: cio-db-init
- depends_on:
- postgres:
- condition: service_healthy
- environment:
- DATABASE_URL: postgresql://${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres}:${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-postgres}@postgres:5432/${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}
- PRIVATE_DATABASE_URL: postgresql://${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres}:${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-postgres}@postgres:5432/${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}
- command:
- - sh
- - -c
- - pnpm --filter @cio/db db:setup
- restart: "no"
-
- api:
- image: ${CIO_API_IMAGE:-classroomio/api:latest}
- pull_policy: always
- container_name: cio-api
- ports:
- - "3081:3081"
- depends_on:
- postgres:
- condition: service_healthy
- redis:
- condition: service_healthy
- db-init:
- condition: service_completed_successfully
- environment:
- NODE_ENV: production
- PORT: 3081
- PUBLIC_SERVER_URL: ${PUBLIC_SERVER_URL:?PUBLIC_SERVER_URL is required}
- TRUSTED_ORIGINS: ${TRUSTED_ORIGINS:?TRUSTED_ORIGINS is required}
- AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN: ${AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN:-}
- DATABASE_URL: postgresql://${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres}:${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-postgres}@postgres:5432/${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}
- PRIVATE_DATABASE_URL: postgresql://${POSTGRES_USER:-postgres}:${POSTGRES_PASSWORD:-postgres}@postgres:5432/${POSTGRES_DB:-classroomio}
- REDIS_URL: redis://redis:6379
- GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID: ${GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID:-}
- GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET: ${GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET:-}
- ZOHO_TOKEN: ${ZOHO_TOKEN:-}
- SMTP_HOST: ${SMTP_HOST:-}
- SMTP_USER: ${SMTP_USER:-}
- SMTP_PASSWORD: ${SMTP_PASSWORD:-}
- SMTP_PORT: ${SMTP_PORT:-}
- SMTP_SENDER: ${SMTP_SENDER:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_DOMAIN: ${CLOUDFLARE_BUCKET_DOMAIN:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_ACCESS_KEY: ${CLOUDFLARE_ACCESS_KEY:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY: ${CLOUDFLARE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID: ${CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_IMAGE_BUCKET_DOMAIN: ${CLOUDFLARE_IMAGE_BUCKET_DOMAIN:-}
- CLOUDFLARE_RENDERING_API_KEY: ${CLOUDFLARE_RENDERING_API_KEY:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE:-}
- OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL: ${OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL:-}
- AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN: ${AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN:?AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN is required}
- PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY: ${PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY:?PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY is required}
- LICENSE_KEY: ${LICENSE_KEY:-}
- UNSPLASH_API_KEY: ${UNSPLASH_API_KEY:-}
- BETTER_AUTH_SECRET: ${BETTER_AUTH_SECRET:?BETTER_AUTH_SECRET is required}
- restart: unless-stopped
-
- dashboard:
- image: ${CIO_DASHBOARD_IMAGE:-classroomio/dashboard:latest}
- build:
- context: ..
- dockerfile: docker/Dockerfile.dashboard
- args:
- PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED: ${PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED:-true}
- PUBLIC_SERVER_URL: ${PUBLIC_SERVER_URL:-}
- ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS: ${ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS:-}
- CSP_SCRIPT_SRC_DOMAINS: ${CSP_SCRIPT_SRC_DOMAINS:-}
- CSP_STYLE_SRC_DOMAINS: ${CSP_STYLE_SRC_DOMAINS:-}
- CSP_CONNECT_SRC_DOMAINS: ${CSP_CONNECT_SRC_DOMAINS:-}
- CSP_FRAME_SRC_DOMAINS: ${CSP_FRAME_SRC_DOMAINS:-}
- CSP_FONT_SRC_DOMAINS: ${CSP_FONT_SRC_DOMAINS:-}
- pull_policy: always
- container_name: cio-dashboard
- ports:
- - "3082:3082"
- depends_on:
- api:
- condition: service_started
- environment:
- NODE_ENV: production
- PORT: 3082
- ORIGIN: ${DASHBOARD_ORIGIN:?DASHBOARD_ORIGIN is required}
- PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED: ${PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED:-true}
- PUBLIC_SERVER_URL: ${PUBLIC_SERVER_URL:?PUBLIC_SERVER_URL is required}
- PRIVATE_SERVER_URL: ${PRIVATE_SERVER_URL:-http://api:3081}
- PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY: ${PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY:?PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY is required}
- PRIVATE_APP_HOST: ${PRIVATE_APP_HOST:-localhost}
- PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS: ${PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS:-app}
- AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN: ${AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN:-}
- restart: unless-stopped
-
-volumes:
- postgres-data:
- redis-data:
diff --git a/docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md b/docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md
index fa32aca4..523c892c 100644
--- a/docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md
+++ b/docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md
@@ -102,38 +102,7 @@ docker pull classroomio/dashboard:latest
### Deploy with Compose
-Use the production compose file (`docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml`) with pinned image tags.
-
-1. Copy the production env template:
-
-```bash
-cp docker/.env.prod.example docker/.env.prod
-```
-
-2. Set pinned images in `docker/.env.prod`:
-
-```bash
-CIO_API_IMAGE=classroomio/api:v0.1.0
-CIO_DASHBOARD_IMAGE=classroomio/dashboard:v0.1.0
-```
-
-3. Deploy:
-
-```bash
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml pull
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml up -d
-```
-
-The `db-init` service also uses `CIO_API_IMAGE` so schema setup always matches the API build you deploy.
-
-Important URL behavior for dashboard API calls:
-
-- Browser requests use `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` (set this to your public API domain, not `localhost`).
-- Server-side dashboard requests use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` when set, with fallback to `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`.
-- In Docker network deployments, set `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081`.
-- Set `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` to `your-domain.com` (shared subdomain cookies) or your exact API host if you need explicit Better Auth cookie domain control.
-
-For local source builds, keep using `docker/docker-compose.yaml`.
+For self-hosting with Docker Compose, see [SELF_HOST.md](SELF_HOST.md). The setup uses a single root `.env` file and `docker/docker-compose.yaml`.
## Versioning Strategy
diff --git a/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md b/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md
index 6728f2da..9ec54831 100644
--- a/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md
+++ b/docker/docs/SELF_HOST.md
@@ -1,249 +1,170 @@
-# ClassroomIO Docker Selfhosting Setup
+# ClassroomIO Docker Self-Hosting
-This guide is for someone setting up ClassroomIO with Docker for the first time.
-
-## 1. Prerequisites
+## Prerequisites
- Docker Desktop installed and running
- `git` installed
-- `curl` installed (recommended for health checks)
-## 2. Clone the Repo
+## Quick Start
```bash
-git clone --branch feat/course-v2 https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio.git
+git clone https://github.com/classroomio/classroomio.git
cd classroomio
-```
-
-## 3. Create Root `.env` for Docker Compose
-
-Create `./.env` in the repository root:
-
-```bash
-cat > .env <<'EOF'
-# Database
-POSTGRES_DB=classroomio
-POSTGRES_USER=postgres
-POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
-
-# API auth/secrets
-# Leave blank to auto-generate on first ./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=
-BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=replace-with-a-long-random-secret
-
-# Dashboard server-to-server auth
-# Leave blank to auto-generate on first ./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=
-
-# Enterprise features (optional: SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-# Request a key from ClassroomIO. Leave empty if you do not use Enterprise-only features.
-LICENSE_KEY=
-
-# API and dashboard URLs
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=http://localhost:3081
-
-# Dashboard server-side calls (inside Docker network)
-PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081
-TRUSTED_ORIGINS=http://localhost:3082,http://localhost:5173
-AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=
-PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true
-
-# Dashboard domain config
-PRIVATE_APP_HOST=domain.com
-PRIVATE_APP_SUBDOMAINS=app,launchweek
-
-# CSP: External domains (required when PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true; no defaults)
-# Passed as build args to the dashboard. Rebuild dashboard after changing: --build dashboard
-# Comma-separated list for Content-Security-Policy. Include your CDN, API, and video domains.
-# Example (adjust to your instance):
-ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS=https://*.classroomio.com,https://api.classroomio.com,https://pgrest.classroomio.com,wss://*.classroomio.com,https://assets.cdn.clsrio.com,https://cdn.plyr.io
-
-# Email delivery (choose one approach)
-# Option A: Zoho/ZeptoMail token
-ZOHO_TOKEN=
-
-# Option B: SMTP
-SMTP_HOST=
-SMTP_PORT=
-SMTP_USER=
-SMTP_PASSWORD=
-SMTP_SENDER=
-
-# Object storage - MinIO (included by default; script auto-sets these if missing)
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-EOF
-```
-
-Important:
-
-- `./run-docker-full-stack.sh` auto-generates secure values for `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` and `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` when missing/insecure.
-- `./run-docker-full-stack.sh` always uses root `.env` (`docker compose --env-file .env ...`) for compose build/runtime variables.
-- API key middleware for dashboard/server-to-server calls validates `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY`.
-- `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` is separate and is not used by `apiKeyMiddleware`.
-- Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking) require `LICENSE_KEY`. If you do not need those features, leave `LICENSE_KEY` empty.
-- Dashboard API URL behavior is split by environment: browser requests use `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`, and server-side dashboard requests use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` (fallback: `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`).
-- In hosted deployments, `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` must be your public API domain (not `localhost`), while Docker internal SSR calls should use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081`.
-- `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` is optional. Leave it empty for Better Auth defaults, or set it to `.your-domain.com` (shared cookies across subdomains) or your API host domain when you need explicit cookie domain control.
-- Do not use invalid domains (for example `b.com` or `.com` when your backend is `api.b.com`); use `.b.com` or the exact backend host.
-- For email sending, configure either `ZOHO_TOKEN` or a full SMTP config (`SMTP_HOST`, `SMTP_PORT`, `SMTP_USER`, `SMTP_PASSWORD`, `SMTP_SENDER`).
-- If neither Zoho token nor SMTP is configured, emails will not send.
-- Keep real secrets out of version control.
-- When `PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true`, the dashboard CSP uses **only** env vars—no defaults. Set `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS` with all external domains your instance needs (CDNs, video providers, analytics, etc.).
-- **Object storage:** MinIO is included by default. The script auto-sets MinIO env vars if missing. Use `--no-minio` to exclude object storage (video/document/media uploads will not work).
-
-## 4. Start Full Docker Stack
-
-From repo root:
-
-```bash
+cp .env.example .env
+# Edit .env — set your domain, secrets, and ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS
./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-
-# Skip image rebuild and only start containers
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build
-
-# Exclude MinIO (video/document/media uploads will not work)
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio
```
-This script:
+The script builds and starts: **postgres**, **redis**, **minio** (object storage), **db-init** (schema setup), **api** (`localhost:3081`), and **dashboard** (`localhost:3082`).
-- builds and starts `postgres`, `redis`, `db-init`, `api`, `dashboard`, and **MinIO** (object storage)
-- auto-configures MinIO env vars (if missing), runs `minio-init` (creates videos, documents, media buckets)
-- prints compose status
-- checks API (`3081`) and dashboard (`3082`) endpoints
+It auto-generates secure values for `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` and `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` when they are missing.
-MinIO Web UI: `http://localhost:9001` (default: `minioadmin` / `minioadmin`).
+## Environment Variables
-## 5. Verify Manually (Optional)
+All Docker services read from a single root `.env` file. See [`.env.example`](../../.env.example) for the full annotated template with required/optional grouping.
+
+Key points:
+
+- **Required:** `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`, `TRUSTED_ORIGINS`, `BETTER_AUTH_SECRET`, `PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true`, `ALLOWED_EXTERNAL_DOMAINS`, `DASHBOARD_ORIGIN`.
+- **Auto-generated:** `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN`, `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` (by `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`).
+- **Auto-configured:** All `MINIO_*` / `OBJECT_STORAGE_*` vars (by the startup script).
+- **Optional:** Email (SMTP or Zoho), Google OAuth, Unsplash, `LICENSE_KEY` (enterprise).
+
+`PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` must be the same value in both API and dashboard — the script ensures this.
+
+## Verify
```bash
docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
-curl -I http://localhost:3082/
+curl -sS http://localhost:3081/ # API — returns JSON
+curl -I http://localhost:3082/ # Dashboard — returns 200
```
-## 6. Access
-
-- API: `http://localhost:3081`
-- Dashboard: `http://localhost:3082`
-
-## 7. Trigger Seed Data
-
-To run DB setup and seed demo data in one command:
+## Seed Demo Data
```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml run --rm db-init sh -c "pnpm --filter @cio/db db:setup -- --seed"
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml \
+ run --rm db-init sh -c "pnpm --filter @cio/db db:setup -- --seed"
```
-Seed only (skip DB setup):
+## Command Reference
-```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml run --rm db-init sh -c "pnpm --filter @cio/db seed"
+All commands use this prefix — abbreviated as `dc` below:
+
+```
+dc = docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml
```
-Use seed-only only after setup has already run at least once (`db:setup`, which now creates roles and syncs schema).
+| Task | Command |
+|------|---------|
+| Full stack (with MinIO) | `./run-docker-full-stack.sh` |
+| Skip image rebuild | `./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build` |
+| Exclude MinIO | `./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio` |
+| API-only smoke test | `dc up --build -d postgres redis db-init api` |
+| Service status | `dc ps` |
+| Stream logs | `dc logs -f api dashboard` |
+| Rebuild one service | `dc up -d --build api` |
+| Restart (env change, no rebuild) | `dc restart api dashboard` |
+| Stop | `dc down` |
+| Stop + delete volumes | `dc down -v` |
-`--rm` removes the one-off `db-init` container after the command finishes so you do not accumulate stopped seed containers.
-
-## 8. Restart After Source Code Changes
-
-Because this Docker setup builds images from source (no live bind-mount hot reload), code changes require a rebuild.
-
-Rebuild and restart only one service:
+### Build Images Locally
```bash
+docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.api -t classroomio/api:latest .
+docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.dashboard -t classroomio/dashboard:latest .
+```
+
+### Inspect Container Env Vars
+
+```bash
+docker exec cio-api env | sort
+docker exec cio-dashboard env | sort
+```
+
+Container names: `cio-postgres`, `cio-redis`, `cio-api`, `cio-dashboard`, `cio-minio`.
+
+## MinIO (Object Storage)
+
+MinIO is included by default. The startup script auto-configures env vars, starts MinIO, and creates `videos`, `documents`, and `media` buckets.
+
+- **API endpoint:** `http://localhost:9000`
+- **Web UI:** `http://localhost:9001` (default: `minioadmin` / `minioadmin`)
+
+To start MinIO manually (e.g. after `--no-minio`):
+
+```bash
+docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
+```
+
+**Security:** Change `MINIO_ROOT_USER` / `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` in `.env` for production. Use the same values for `OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID` / `OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY`.
+
+### MinIO Web UI Not Loading
+
+If port 9001 does not respond, recreate the container:
+
+```bash
+docker rm -f cio-minio
+docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
+```
+
+Data is preserved in the `minio-data` volume.
+
+## Rebuild After Code Changes
+
+This setup builds images from source (no live hot reload). Code changes require a rebuild:
+
+```bash
+# One service
docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up -d --build api
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up -d --build dashboard
-```
-If you changed shared code used by both (`packages/*`), rebuild both:
-
-```bash
+# Both (e.g. shared packages/* changed)
docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up -d --build api dashboard
-```
-Rebuild full stack:
-
-```bash
+# Full stack
./run-docker-full-stack.sh
```
-If you only changed environment variables (no code change), restart without rebuild:
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### "No space left on device"
```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml restart api dashboard
+df -h # check host disk
+docker system df # check Docker usage
+docker builder prune -f # free build cache
+docker image prune -a -f # free unused images
+docker container prune -f # free stopped containers
```
-## 9. Stop
+> **Warning:** `docker volume prune` removes volumes not used by any container. If run after `docker compose ... down`, it deletes `postgres-data`, `redis-data`, and `minio-data`. Use only the prunes above to free space safely.
+
+Then restart: `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`
+
+### "The database system is in recovery mode" (57P03)
+
+Postgres has not finished starting. Wait 30-60 seconds and retry. The compose healthcheck requires a successful `SELECT 1` before dependent services start.
+
+### MinIO "Storage reached its minimum free drive threshold"
+
+Same root cause as disk full. Free space using the steps above and restart MinIO:
```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down
+docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml restart minio
```
-## 10. If PostgreSQL or Docker Fails with "No space left on device"
+### SMTP Errors in Logs
-The error `could not write lock file "postmaster.pid": No space left on device` means the disk (or Docker storage) is full. Fix it by freeing space, then restart Postgres.
+`ECONNREFUSED 127.0.0.1:465` means SMTP is not configured. This does not block startup — configure SMTP or Zoho when you need email.
-**1. Check disk usage**
+### Port Conflicts
```bash
-df -h
-docker system df
+lsof -nP -iTCP:3081 -sTCP:LISTEN
+lsof -nP -iTCP:3082 -sTCP:LISTEN
```
-**2. Free Docker space (safe — removes unused build cache and images)**
+## Related
-```bash
-docker builder prune -f
-docker image prune -a -f
-docker container prune -f
-```
-
-**3. If still low on space, remove unused volumes** (only if you do not need data in other projects’ volumes)
-
-```bash
-docker volume prune -f
-```
-
-Warning: `docker volume prune` removes volumes not used by any container. If you run it after `docker compose ... down`, it can remove `postgres-data`, `redis-data`, and `minio-data`, and you will lose database and object storage data. To free space without touching Classroom.io data, avoid `down` and use only the prunes in step 2, or remove specific unused volumes by name.
-
-**4. Restart the stack**
-
-```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up -d
-```
-
-If the host disk is still full after pruning, free space elsewhere (e.g. large files, old logs, other apps) or increase disk capacity.
-
-## 11. "The database system is in recovery mode" (57P03)
-
-This happens when the API (or another service) hits Postgres before it has finished starting or replaying WAL after a crash/restart. Our Postgres healthcheck now requires a successful `SELECT 1` (not just `pg_isready`) so dependent services only start once the DB accepts queries.
-
-If you still see it (e.g. old compose file or a very slow disk):
-
-1. Wait 30–60 seconds and retry the request.
-2. Ensure you’re using the latest `docker/docker-compose.yaml` (healthcheck runs `pg_isready` and `psql ... SELECT 1`).
-3. Restart the stack so Postgres gets a clean start and the API waits for the updated healthcheck: `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`.
-
-## 12. MinIO: "Storage reached its minimum free drive threshold"
-
-MinIO’s data scanner reports this when the disk (or the volume backing `minio-data`) is below MinIO’s minimum free space. Same root cause as [§10](#10-if-postgresql-or-docker-fails-with-no-space-left-on-device): the host or Docker storage is too full.
-
-**What to do:**
-
-1. Free space using the same steps as in **§10** (e.g. `docker system df`, `docker builder prune -f`, `docker image prune -a -f`, `docker container prune -f`). Avoid `docker volume prune` if you need to keep existing data.
-2. After freeing space, restart MinIO (or the full stack) so the scanner sees the new free space:
- ```bash
- docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml restart minio
- ```
- Or restart everything: `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`.
-3. If the disk is still near full, remove unneeded objects from MinIO buckets (via Console or `mc`) or add/attach more storage.
-
-MinIO does not expose an env var to lower or disable this threshold; freeing space or adding capacity is the intended fix.
+- [Self-hosting docs](https://classroomio.com/docs/quickstart/self-hosting) — published guide with Railway + Docker instructions
+- [`docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md`](PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md) — publishing Docker images to Docker Hub
diff --git a/docker/docs/USAGE.md b/docker/docs/USAGE.md
deleted file mode 100644
index a2e3977e..00000000
--- a/docker/docs/USAGE.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,247 +0,0 @@
-# Docker Usage Guide
-
-This directory contains Docker files for local self-hosting and image publishing.
-
-## Stack Overview
-
-`docker/docker-compose.yaml` starts these services:
-
-- `postgres`: primary database used by `@cio/db` and `@cio/api`
-- `redis`: cache/rate-limit store used by `@cio/api`
-- `db-init`: one-off setup job (`pnpm --filter @cio/db db:setup`, which creates required roles and syncs schema)
-- `api`: backend service on `http://localhost:3081`
-- `dashboard`: frontend service on `http://localhost:3082`
-
-For published-image deployments, use `docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml` (same services, but `api`, `dashboard`, and `db-init` run from published images instead of local builds).
-
-Notes:
-
-- Postgres and Redis are internal-only in compose (not exposed on host ports by default).
-- `db-init` is expected to exit with code `0` after setup.
-- If you run seed-only commands, make sure setup has already run once so schema exists.
-
-## Quick Start
-
-Run from the repository root:
-
-```bash
-# Full stack with MinIO (object storage) - default
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-
-# Skip image rebuild and only start containers
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build
-
-# Exclude MinIO (video/document/media uploads will not work)
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio
-```
-
-Verify:
-
-```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
-curl -I http://localhost:3082/
-```
-
-Expected:
-
-- API returns welcome JSON
-- Dashboard returns `HTTP/1.1 200 OK`
-
-## API-Only Smoke Test
-
-If you only want to validate API startup (recommended first check):
-
-```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up --build -d postgres redis db-init api
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs --tail=100 api
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
-```
-
-## Production (Published Images)
-
-Create a production env file from the template:
-
-```bash
-cp docker/.env.prod.example docker/.env.prod
-```
-
-Set pinned image tags in `docker/.env.prod`:
-
-```bash
-CIO_API_IMAGE=classroomio/api:v0.1.0
-CIO_DASHBOARD_IMAGE=classroomio/dashboard:v0.1.0
-# Optional: Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-# LICENSE_KEY=your-issued-license-key
-```
-
-Then deploy:
-
-```bash
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml pull
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml up -d
-```
-
-## Environment Variables
-
-Create a root `.env` file for compose. For local Docker, you can leave the token values blank and the startup script will generate secure values and keep them synchronized:
-
-```bash
-POSTGRES_DB=classroomio
-POSTGRES_USER=postgres
-POSTGRES_PASSWORD=postgres
-
-BETTER_AUTH_SECRET=replace-with-a-strong-secret
-AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN=
-PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY=
-# Optional: required only for Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking)
-LICENSE_KEY=
-
-PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=https://api.your-domain.com
-PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081
-TRUSTED_ORIGINS=https://app.your-domain.com
-AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=
-```
-
-Optional integrations (if used):
-
-```bash
-SMTP_HOST=
-SMTP_PORT=
-SMTP_USER=
-SMTP_PASSWORD=
-SMTP_SENDER=
-
-GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID=
-GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET=
-
-UNSPLASH_API_KEY=
-```
-
-Object storage (MinIO included by default; script auto-sets these):
-
-```bash
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-```
-
-Important:
-
-- `./run-docker-full-stack.sh` auto-generates secure `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN`/`PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY` values when missing or insecure placeholders are used.
-- `./run-docker-full-stack.sh` always uses root `.env` (`docker compose --env-file .env ...`) so compose build/runtime variables come from repository-root `.env`.
-- API key middleware for dashboard/server-to-server calls validates `PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY`.
-- `AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN` is a separate token and is not used by `apiKeyMiddleware`.
-- Enterprise-only features (SSO, token-auth, no-tracking) require `LICENSE_KEY`. If you do not use those features, leave it unset.
-- Dashboard URL selection is environment-aware: browser calls use `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`, while SSR/server-side calls use `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL` (fallback: `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL`).
-- In Docker, set `PRIVATE_SERVER_URL=http://api:3081` for internal service-to-service traffic, and keep `PUBLIC_SERVER_URL` as your public API URL (do not use `localhost` in hosted deployments).
-- `AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN` is required for setting cookies. Set it to `.your-domain.com` for cross-subdomain cookies, or to your exact API host when you need host-scoped cookies. Leave empty to use Better Auth defaults.
-
-## Common Commands
-
-```bash
-# Start / rebuild
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up --build -d
-
-# Stream logs
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs -f api dashboard
-
-# Stop
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down
-
-# Stop and remove volumes (deletes local DB/cache data)
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down -v
-```
-
-### API or dashboard fails to start
-
-```bash
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs --tail=200 api dashboard db-init postgres redis
-```
-
-### SMTP errors in API logs
-
-If SMTP is not configured, logs may include `ECONNREFUSED 127.0.0.1:465`. This does not block API startup.
-
-### Port conflicts
-
-```bash
-lsof -nP -iTCP:3081 -sTCP:LISTEN
-lsof -nP -iTCP:3082 -sTCP:LISTEN
-```
-
-## MinIO (S3-compatible storage)
-
-MinIO is **included by default** when you run `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`. The script auto-configures env vars and starts MinIO + minio-init (creates videos, documents, media buckets).
-
-To start MinIO manually (e.g. if you used `--no-minio` previously):
-
-```bash
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-```
-
-### Access URLs
-
-| Purpose | URL | Notes |
-|---------|-----|-------|
-| API | `http://localhost:9000` | Used by the ClassroomIO API for S3-compatible storage |
-| Web UI | `http://localhost:9001` | Login to browse buckets, manage objects (default: `minioadmin` / `minioadmin`) |
-
-> **Security:** Change the default credentials (`minioadmin` / `minioadmin`) in production. Set `MINIO_ROOT_USER` and `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` in `.env`, and use the same values for `OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY`.
-
-### Environment variables
-
-Set in `.env`:
-
-```bash
-# MinIO container credentials (must match OBJECT_STORAGE_* below)
-MINIO_ROOT_USER=minioadmin
-MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD=minioadmin
-
-# When API runs in Docker: use minio (Docker service name)
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_PUBLIC_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000
-OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=minioadmin
-OBJECT_STORAGE_FORCE_PATH_STYLE=true
-OBJECT_STORAGE_MEDIA_PUBLIC_BASE_URL=http://localhost:9000/media
-```
-
-> **API in Docker:** Use `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000` so the API container can reach MinIO on the Docker network. Use `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://localhost:9000` when the API runs locally (e.g. `pnpm api:dev`).
-
-`MINIO_ROOT_USER` and `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` configure the MinIO container. Set them to the same values as `OBJECT_STORAGE_ACCESS_KEY_ID` and `OBJECT_STORAGE_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY` when using the built-in MinIO service.
-
-### MinIO troubleshooting
-
-#### Web UI not loading
-
-MinIO assigns a **random port** for the Web Console by default. If the Web UI at `http://localhost:9001` does not load, your container may have been created before we pinned the console port.
-
-**Fix:** Remove the old container and recreate it:
-
-```bash
-docker rm -f cio-minio
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-```
-
-Our `docker-compose.yaml` uses `--console-address ":9001"` so the Web UI consistently listens on port 9001. Your data is stored in the `minio-data` volume and is preserved across container recreation.
-
-#### Container name conflict
-
-If you see `The container name "/cio-minio" is already in use`, remove the existing container first:
-
-```bash
-docker rm -f cio-minio
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-```
-
-## Related Docs
-
-- `docker/docs/commands.md` for quick command snippets
-- `docker/docs/PUBLISHING_IMAGES.md` for Docker Hub publishing
diff --git a/docker/docs/commands.md b/docker/docs/commands.md
deleted file mode 100644
index bdea1293..00000000
--- a/docker/docs/commands.md
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,177 +0,0 @@
-# Quick Docker Commands Reference
-
-## Compose Stack
-
-```bash
-# Full stack with MinIO (default; generates/syncs secure auth tokens)
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh
-
-# Full stack without rebuilding images
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-build
-
-# Exclude MinIO (object storage)
-./run-docker-full-stack.sh --no-minio
-
-# Full stack (postgres, redis, db-init, api, dashboard, minio)
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up --build -d
-
-# API-only smoke test path (plus required dependencies)
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml up --build -d postgres redis db-init api
-
-# Service status
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml ps
-
-# Logs
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs -f api
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml logs -f dashboard
-
-# Stop services
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down
-
-# Stop + remove volumes (deletes local postgres/redis data)
-docker compose --env-file .env -p classroomio -f docker/docker-compose.yaml down -v
-```
-
-## MinIO (S3-compatible storage)
-
-MinIO is **included by default** with `./run-docker-full-stack.sh`. To start MinIO manually:
-
-```bash
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-
-# If Web UI doesn't load or container name conflict:
-docker rm -f cio-minio
-docker compose -f docker/docker-compose.yaml --profile minio up -d
-```
-
-**When API runs in Docker:** Use `OBJECT_STORAGE_ENDPOINT=http://minio:9000` (Docker service name). The script auto-sets this when MinIO is included.
-
-**Security:** Change the default `minioadmin` / `minioadmin` credentials in production. Set `MINIO_ROOT_USER` and `MINIO_ROOT_PASSWORD` in `.env` (and matching `OBJECT_STORAGE_*` vars).
-
-See `docker/docs/USAGE.md` for MinIO env vars and troubleshooting.
-
-## Compose Stack (Published Images / Production)
-
-```bash
-# 1) Copy and edit production env values (including pinned image tags)
-cp docker/.env.prod.example docker/.env.prod
-
-# 2) Pull pinned images
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml pull
-
-# 3) Start stack from published images
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml up -d
-
-# 4) Inspect status and logs
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml ps
-docker compose -p classroomio --env-file docker/.env.prod -f docker/docker-compose.prod.yaml logs -f api dashboard
-```
-
-## Health Checks
-
-```bash
-# API should return welcome JSON
-curl -sS http://localhost:3081/
-
-# Dashboard should return 200
-curl -I http://localhost:3082/
-```
-
-## Build Images Locally
-
-```bash
-docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.api -t classroomio/api:latest .
-docker build -f docker/Dockerfile.dashboard -t classroomio/dashboard:latest .
-```
-
-## Push to Docker Hub
-
-```bash
-docker push classroomio/api:latest
-docker push classroomio/dashboard:latest
-```
-
-## All-in-One Publish Script
-
-```bash
-# Default username=classroomio version=latest
-./docker/docker-push.sh
-
-# Custom username
-DOCKERHUB_USERNAME=your-username ./docker/docker-push.sh
-
-# Versioned tag
-VERSION=v1.0.0 ./docker/docker-push.sh
-```
-
-## Pull Published Images
-
-```bash
-docker pull classroomio/api:latest
-docker pull classroomio/dashboard:latest
-```
-
-## Run Published Images (Manual)
-
-Use compose for local development. If you run manually, include required runtime env.
-`LICENSE_KEY` is only needed if you use Enterprise-only features.
-
-```bash
-# API
-docker run -d --name cio-api -p 3081:3081 \
- -e DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:postgres@host.docker.internal:5432/classroomio \
- -e PRIVATE_DATABASE_URL=postgresql://postgres:postgres@host.docker.internal:5432/classroomio \
- -e REDIS_URL=redis://host.docker.internal:6379 \
- -e PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=https://api.your-domain.com \
- -e TRUSTED_ORIGINS=https://app.your-domain.com \
- -e AUTH_COOKIE_DOMAIN=.your-domain.com \
- -e BETTER_AUTH_SECRET= \
- -e PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY= \
- -e AUTH_BEARER_TOKEN= \
- -e LICENSE_KEY= \
- classroomio/api:latest
-
-# Dashboard
-docker run -d --name cio-dashboard -p 3082:3082 \
- -e PUBLIC_SERVER_URL=http://localhost:3081 \
- -e PRIVATE_SERVER_KEY= \
- -e PUBLIC_IS_SELFHOSTED=true \
- classroomio/dashboard:latest
-```
-
-## Inspect environment variables in a container
-
-```bash
-# List all env vars in a running container (use actual container name)
-docker exec env
-
-# Sorted, one per line
-docker exec env | sort
-
-# Inspect from host (env as configured at container create time)
-docker inspect --format '{{range .Config.Env}}{{println .}}{{end}}'
-
-# Print a single variable
-docker exec printenv DATABASE_URL
-```
-
-**Container names** (from `docker compose ... ps`): `cio-postgres`, `cio-redis`, `cio-api`, `cio-dashboard`; with MinIO: `cio-minio`, `cio-minio-init`.
-
-Example:
-
-```bash
-docker exec cio-api env | sort
-```
-
-## Useful Commands
-
-```bash
-# List local images
-docker images | grep classroomio
-
-# Remove local images
-docker rmi classroomio/api:latest classroomio/dashboard:latest
-
-# Inspect image
-docker inspect classroomio/api:latest
-```